| and is one of the most beautiful and culturally | | | | shop. Gourmets will love the many varieties of |
| diverse areas in Southeast Asia. Because it was | | | | sea food. Many travelers also come here for an |
| never colonized, it retains much of its original | | | | adventurous vacation. Thailand offers aquatic |
| culture. | | | | sports for all ages, including scuba diving, |
| The people of Thailand are very friendly and | | | | snorkeling, wind-surfing and water-skiing. |
| hospitable. There is no language barrier because | | | | Afterwards, tourists can relax on the beautiful |
| the staff speaks English and other European | | | | beaches, sipping their favorite cool drink in good |
| languages in most of the hotels, restaurants and | | | | company. |
| tourist places. There are many different modes | | | | Thailand offers something to every traveler: |
| of transportation in Thailand. Tourists can hire a | | | | Phuket is known for its exotic islands and beautiful |
| taxi, take a bus, ride on a train, rent a car or | | | | beaches. Tourists can sunbathe on the beach, |
| motorcycle or hike on foot through the beautiful | | | | relax around a hotel pool or go on a number of |
| countryside. The most interesting ride is the | | | | popular excursions. Phuket’s nightlife is |
| Tuk-Tuk, a three wheel bike, which provides a | | | | very lively. The multi-cuisine restaurants and bars |
| fantastic open air ride around any city. | | | | are always filled with tourists. |
| Thailand means “the land of the | | | | Chiang Mai is a combination of modern city life and |
| free”, and is blessed with three seasons. | | | | old village charm. Tourists can visit a working |
| Summers runs from February to May. The rainy | | | | elephant camp, the Mae Sa Waterfall and an |
| season extends from June to October. The cold | | | | Orchid Farm. There are temples which are close |
| season lasts from November to January. Many | | | | to 700 years old. The Doi Suthep monastery sits |
| people vacation in Thailand during December and | | | | on the top of a mountain 3500 feet above sea |
| January to get away from the cold in their | | | | level, overlooking the fertile valley embracing |
| countries over Christmas and New Year’s. | | | | Chiang Mai. The monastery is famous for its |
| Thailand has vacationers from all over the world. | | | | many holy relics of the Lord Buddha. Chiang |
| Thailand has a very diverse geography. Tropical | | | | Mai’s night bazaar is a favorite shopping |
| islands are found in the southern peninsula. There | | | | place of tourists. Almost anything can be bought |
| are many beautiful beaches surrounded by clear, | | | | there at bargain prices. |
| blue waters on one side and tropical jungle on the | | | | In Chiang Rai, tourists can see the local hill tribe |
| other. The people here are involved in rubber | | | | villages of the Akha and Yao. They can also see |
| cultivation, tin mining, and fishing. In the central | | | | the ruins of Chiang Saen, Mae Sai and the Golden |
| part of Thailand are paddy fields, farms and many | | | | Triangle. The triangle is where the borders of |
| varieties of edible fruits. Here, too, are the ancient | | | | Burma, Thailand and Laos meet. Together with |
| ruins of Ayuthaya, the royal capital of the | | | | Chiang Mai, the city sits in one of the artistic and |
| kingdom of Siam, and Sukhothai. The mountains | | | | religious centers in Thailand. |
| and forests of Thailand are in the north. Many | | | | Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. The name |
| different tribes are located in the mountains. | | | | means “city of angels.” Bangkok is |
| Tourists can visit them from boats or by crossing | | | | a centre of commercial, industrial and cultural |
| the rail road lines over the famous river Kwai. | | | | activities. The Grand Palace; Wat Phra Keo, which |
| They can also see unusual native handicrafts and | | | | houses the Emerald Buddha; and Dusit Maha |
| multicolored orchids. The northeast plateau is | | | | Prasat Hall are three of Bangkok’s largest |
| famous for its rich archaeological and | | | | attractions. Here tourists can see large, gleaming |
| anthropological findings. | | | | golden spires, soaring roofs, intricate paintings and |
| Thailand is the perfect vacation spot for those | | | | ornate statues. |
| seeking a romantic getaway or who want to | | | | |